Apparatus for Emptying a Cistern

ABSTRACT

An apparatus ( 1 ) for emptying a cistern ( 3 ) which apparatus includes control unit ( 2, 102, 202 ), a pair of actuators electrically connected to the control ( 2 ) unit and first and second cables ( 8   a   , 8   b ) each of which is operated by one of the actuators. A first end of each cable is connected to a respective one of the actuators and a second end of each cable is connected to a valve fluidly coupled to an outlet of the cistern. In use, the apparatus actuates the first cable to open the valve for effecting a full flush in response to a first signal received by the control unit. The apparatus is also configure do actuate the second cable to open the valve for effecting a partial flush in response to a second signal received by the control unit. Input means, preferably in the form of an infrared proximity sensor, is provided to receive a command from a user to generate the first and/or second signals.

This invention relates generally to an apparatus for emptying a cistern, for example a toilet cistern. More specifically, although not exclusively, this invention relates to an apparatus for automatically releasing water from a toilet cistern in order to flush the toilet.

Known apparatus for this purpose generally include relatively complex electromechanical and/or mechanical installations. It is therefore non-exclusive object of the invention to provide an alternative and/or simpler arrangement.

A first aspect of the invention provides an apparatus for emptying a cistern, the apparatus comprising a control unit, a pair of actuators operably connected to the control unit and first and second cables, a first end of each cable being connected to a respective one of the actuators and a second end of each cable being configured to be connected to a valve fluidly coupled to an outlet of the cistern, wherein the apparatus is configured to actuate, in use, the first cable to open the valve for effecting a full flush in response to a first signal received by the control unit, the apparatus being further configured to actuate the second cable to open the or a further valve for effecting a partial flush in response to a second signal received by the control unit.

The use of individual cables with individual actuators permits independent control of a full flush and of a partial flush where the apparatus is configured for dual flush operation. The apparatus may also be retrofitted to existing flush valves, for example which use a two part push button, wherein each push button part presently operates an independent cable.

The first and/or second cables may advantageously be slideable within a sheath, for example a single sheath or a respective sheath, e.g. a respective one of first and second sheaths. This arrangement allows the control unit to be positioned remotely of the valve in use.

For the avoidance of doubt, the term full flush as used herein refers to the emptying of at least a portion of the contents of the cistern and a partial flush refers to the emptying of a portion of the contents of the cistern which is less than the portion which corresponds to a full flush. For example, substantially all or at least most, e.g. at least three quarters, of the contents of the cistern may be emptied during the full flush and/or less, e.g. two thirds, one half, one third or one quarter, of the contents of the cistern may be emptied during the partial flush.

The apparatus may further comprise the or a valve, wherein at least one, preferably both, of the cables are connected to the valve, e.g. both may be connected to the same valve. The valve may be fluidly coupled to or configured to be fluidly coupled, in use, to an outlet of the cistern. The apparatus may be arranged to cause each actuator to open the valve, in use, by a predetermined amount and/or at a predetermined position and/or for a predetermined period, for example which is different from that of the other actuator. The valve is preferably arranged to be submerged, in use, within the cistern. The valve is preferably arranged to remain open, in use, until the water within the cistern reaches a predetermined level, for example by virtue of the back pressure created by the water being released from the cistern.

Each of the different positions may configured to cause the valve to remain open until the water within the cistern reaches a respective different predetermined level, for example by virtue of the back pressure created by the water being released. Each cable may be connected to a, i.e. the same, or a respective lever mechanism arranged to open the valve by an amount which is proportional to the displacement of that cable.

A first of the predetermined levels may correspond to the cistern being substantially empty and/or a second of the predetermined levels may correspond to the cistern being partially empty. A first of the predetermined periods or positions is preferably arranged to drain at least most of the contents of the cistern, more preferably substantially all of the contents thereof. A second of the predetermined periods or positions is preferably less than the first predetermined period or position and/or may be arranged to drain only a portion of the contents of the cistern, for example about three quarters, two thirds, half or one third or one quarter, of the contents thereof.

One or more of the actuators may be arranged to provide a linear force, e.g. it may comprise a solenoid or a diaphragm pump, for example wherein the cable is connected directly thereto. Advantageously, at least one of the cables may be connected to an actuator by a lever mechanism arranged to provide a mechanical advantage or amplified displacement of the cable.

Alternatively, one or more of the actuators may be arranged to provide a rotational force or torque, which may be converted into a linear force by a conversion means such as a gearing arrangement, for example a worm gear, rack and pinion or other equivalent arrangement. At least one of the cables is preferably connected directly to the conversion means such that it may be actuated by the or one of the actuators.

At least one of the actuators may comprise a pump or motor, for example a hydraulic pump or an electric motor.

The first and second cables may be arranged to cause the valve to open, in use, for respective different predetermined periods. The displacements of the first cable may be different, for example more, than the displacement of the second cable.

The first cable may be connected or configured to be connected, in use, to a lever of or on the valve and may be arranged to push or pull the lever, in use, to the or a first position, for example to open the valve for the or a first predetermined period.

The second cable may be connected or configured to be connected, in use, to the or a lever of or on the valve and may be arranged to push or pull the lever, in use, to the or a second position, for example to open the valve for the or a second predetermined period which may be different from the first predetermined period.

The apparatus may further comprise an input means arranged to receive, in use, a first command from a user and to generate the or a first signal and/or to receive, in use, a second command from a user to generate the or a second signal. The input means may comprise at least one infrared proximity sensor, for example which is electrically connected to the input of the control unit. Alternatively, the input of the control unit may comprise an antenna or the like for receiving, for example, RF signals from the input means.

Additionally or alternatively, the input means may comprise a mechanical or hydraulic input means or any other suitable arrangement. The input means may comprise, for example, a proximity switch or a manually operated device such as a conventional chain, lever or push button mechanism.

The infrared sensor may be arranged to receive an extended command, which may correspond to a request for a partial emptying of the cistern, and to generate the or a second signal.

Alternatively, the apparatus may comprise a second input means or infrared sensor arranged to receive, in use, a second command from a user and to generate the or a second signal to empty, for example only part of the contents, such as half, the cistern.

The apparatus may further comprise a second valve fluidly coupled or configured to be fluidly coupled, in use, to a second outlet of the cistern for controlling the release of water therefrom, for example as part of a dual flush mechanism. The second cable may be connected to the second valve.

The apparatus may further comprise a power source for powering the control unit, for example one or more batteries, and/or a power cable connected or configured to be connected, in use, to a power source, for example to a mains outlet.

A further aspect of the invention provides a kit of parts for assembly into an apparatus for emptying a cistern, e.g. an apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention. The kit of parts may comprise any of the elements or features described above. In particular, the kit may comprise the control unit and/or one or more of the actuators and/or one or both of the cables and/or the or each valve.

A yet further aspect of the invention provides a cistern comprising an apparatus as described above. The or a second outlet of the cistern may be vertically displaced with respect to the first outlet, for example such that the second outlet is arranged to empty less than the contents of the cistern, for example half of the contents thereof.

A more general aspect of the invention provides an apparatus for emptying a cistern, the apparatus comprising a control unit and a cable, the control unit including an actuator for operating a valve which is fluidly coupled or couplable to an outlet of the cistern, wherein a first end of the cable is connected to the actuator and a second end of the cable is connected or connectable to the valve, the cable being slidable within a sheath for opening the valve when a signal to empty the cistern is received, in use, by an input of the control unit.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a top view of a first embodiment of a control unit for use in the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view of a second embodiment of a control unit for use in the apparatus of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 4 is a top view of a third embodiment of a control unit for use in the apparatus of FIG. 1.

In FIG. 1, there is shown an apparatus 1 according to the invention which includes a control unit 2, 102, 202, a cistern or tank 3 having an outlet 4 feeding an outlet conduit 5 for releasing water 6 stored therein into a toilet T and a valve 7 coupled to the outlet conduit 5 for controlling the release of water 6 from the tank 3. The outlet conduit 5 has an inlet 50, corresponding to the cistern outlet 4, adjacent the bottom of the tank 3 and feeds the toilet T in the usual way.

The control unit 2, 102, 202 is connected to a lever mechanism (not shown) on the valve 7 by a pair of cables 8 a, 8 b, each of which is movable or slidable within a respective sheath 9 a, 9 b. The lever mechanism (not shown) has a first position and a second position. The first position is arranged to open the valve 7 fully and the second position is arranged to only partially open the valve 7. Each cable 8 a, 8 b is arranged to move the lever mechanism (not shown) to one of its two positions.

The valve 7 is arranged to remain open until the water 6 within the cistern 3 reaches a predetermined level by virtue of the back pressure created by the water 6 being released from the cistern 3. The period that the valve 7 remains open is dependent upon the extent to which it is opened. In this embodiment, the valve 7 is arranged to be opened to one of two positions. The first position results in the valve 7 remaining open for a first predetermined period sufficient to drain substantially all of the contents of the tank 3. The second position results in the valve 7 remaining open for a second predetermined period which is less than the first period and arranged to drain approximately half of the contents of the tank 3.

As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 2 includes a housing 20 within which is located a pair of linear actuators 21 a, 21 b in the form of diaphragm pumps in this embodiment, a PCB controller 22 with an input 23 and a power source 24. In this embodiment, the power source 24 includes four batteries 24 a, 24 b, 24 c, 24 d which are electrically connected to, and which power, the controller 22 and the actuators 21 a, 21 b. The input 23 is electrically connected to, and receives signals from, an infrared proximity sensor 23 a.

In this embodiment, each actuator 21 a, 21 b is directly connected to one of the cables 8 a, 8 b by a coupling 25 a, 25 b from which the cable 8 a, 8 b extends through a respective hole (not shown) in the housing 20 and into its respective sheath 9 a, 9 b. Actuation of each of the actuators 21 a, 21 b causes the respective cable 8 a, 8 b to slide within the sheath 9 a, 9 b and to move the lever mechanism (not shown) to one of its two positions as described above.

In use, the infrared proximity sensor 23 a is activated by a user (not shown) which sends a signal to the controller 22. The sensor 23 a is arranged to receive two commands, a brief command signal by way of, for example, a hand waving across the sensor 23 a or an extended command signal by way of, for example the user keeping his or her hand in front of the sensor 23 a for an extended period of time. The extended command signal in this embodiment corresponds to a request for a full flush, i.e. to empty all of the contents of the tank 3, while the brief command signal corresponds to a request for a partial flush, i.e. to empty only half of the contents of the tank 3 into the toilet T.

The controller 22 processes the signal and sends a command to the relevant actuator 21 a, 21 b depending upon which of the command signals is received. Movement of the actuator 21 a, 21 b causes the relevant cable 8 a, 8 b to move the lever (not shown) to the relevant position, thus emptying either all or half of the contents of the tank 3.

FIG. 3 shows a control unit 102 which is similar to the control unit 2 of FIG. 2, wherein like references represent like components and will therefore not be described. The control unit 102 according to this embodiment includes respective lever members 125 a, 125 b in place of the couplings 25 a, 25 b in the first embodiment. Each lever member 125 a, 125 b is connected to a respective actuator 21 a, 21 b at a first of its ends and a respective cable 8 a, 8 b at the other of its ends.

The lever members 125 a, 125 b are also pivotably mounted to the housing 120 about a fulcrum 126 a, 126 b positioned intermediate its ends and, in this embodiment, is nearer the connection with the actuator 21 a, 21 b. Thus, the displacement of the cable 8 a, 8 b is amplified as compared to the actuator displacement.

FIG. 4 shows a control unit 202 which is similar to the control units 2, 102 of FIGS. 2 and 3, wherein like references represent like components and will therefore not be described. The control unit 202 of this embodiment includes a pair of actuators 221 a, 221 b in the form of rotational electric motors in place of the linear actuators 21 a, 21 b of the first and second embodiments. The rotational actuators 221 a, 221 b are connected to respective worm gear assemblies 225 a, 225 b to convert the torque of the actuators 221 a, 221 b into a linear force. The worm gear assemblies 225 a, 225 b are mounted to the housing 220 of the control unit 202 and are free to rotate and translate. Each cable 8 a, 8 b is connected directly to a respective worm gear assembly 225 a, 225 b for actuation as described above.

Several variations to the embodiments disclosed herein are envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the apparatus may comprise a single flush arrangement in place of the dual flush mechanism, in which case only a single cable 8 a, 8 b, sheath 9 a, 9 b and actuator 21 a, 21 b would be required and the valve 7 could be replaced with a single flush valve (not shown). Alternatively, the dual flush function may be provided by a single cable 8 a, 8 b, sheath 9 a, 9 b and actuator 21 a, 21 b arranged to provide two different cable displacements.

Additionally or alternatively, the dual flush valve 7 may be replaced by a pair of valves, wherein each cable 8 a, 8 b is connected to a different one of the valves. In such a case, it is also possible to provide two outlet conduits 5, wherein the inlet of one of the conduits 5 extends into the cistern 3 at a level that is vertically higher than that of the other conduit 5 and wherein the same type of valve 7 can be used for each.

The controller 22 need not be a PCB controller and it may, for example, be replaced with any suitable means for operating the actuator on receipt of an input signal from a user such as a mechanical arrangement. The power source 24 may advantageously be a removable power pack, for example to avoid the need for opening the control unit to replace batteries and/or may include less or more than four batteries 24 a, 24 b, 24 c, 24 d. Additionally or alternatively, the power source 24 may comprise an socket or connector for connection to a mains power supply or any other suitable source of electrical power. This arrangement would be particularly advantageous for commercial applications.

Moreover, the input means 23 a may include a second infrared sensor, wherein each infrared sensor 23 a is arranged to receive one of the aforementioned two command signals. Alternatively, the input means 23 a need not be an infrared proximity sensor 23 a and/or need not be electrically connected to the input 23 of the controller 22. Rather, it is also envisaged that the input 23 may advantageously comprise an antenna or the like for receiving, for example, RF signals from an input means.

Additionally or alternatively, the input means may comprise a mechanical or hydraulic input means or any other suitable input means. The input means may comprise, for example, a proximity switch or a manually operated device such as a conventional chain, lever or push button mechanism.

The lever members 125 a, 125 b may be arranged to provide a mechanical advantage as opposed to the amplified displacement provided by the arrangement of the second embodiment of control unit 102. The worm gear assemblies 225 a, 225 b may be replaced with other suitable conversion means such as a rack and pinion arrangement or the like. It will also be appreciated that any suitable coupling arrangement may be used, bearing in mind the particular requirements of the application in question.

The actuator 21 a, 21 b, 221 a, 221 b may comprise any suitable actuation means, for example in the form a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder or pump or a linear motor, which may be electrically, hydraulically or pneumatically powered. For example, the diaphragm pumps may be replaced with a solenoid.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any number of combinations of the aforementioned features and/or those shown in the appended drawings provide clear advantages over the prior art and are therefore within the scope of the invention described herein. 

1. Apparatus for emptying a cistern, the apparatus comprising a control unit, a pair of actuators operably connected to the control unit and first and second cables, a first end of each cable being connected to a respective one of the actuators and a second end of each cable being configured to be connected to a valve fluidly coupled to an outlet of the cistern, wherein the apparatus is configured to actuate, in use, the first cable to open the valve for effecting a full flush in response to a first signal received by the control unit, the apparatus being further configured to actuate the second cable to open the or a further valve for effecting a partial flush in response to a second signal received by the control unit.
 2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each cable is slideable within a respective sheath.
 3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the second end of each cable is configured to be connected to the same valve.
 4. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the first and second cables are arranged to cause the valve to open, in use, to respective different positions.
 5. Apparatus according to any preceding claim further comprising an input means arranged to receive, in use, a first command from a user for generating the first signal to empty the cistern and/or to receive, in use, a second command from a user for generating the second signal to empty the cistern.
 6. Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the input means comprises an infrared proximity sensor arranged to receive, in use, a command from a user and to generate the first and/or second signals.
 7. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the actuators is arranged to provide a linear force.
 8. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein at least one of the cables is connected to its respective actuator by a lever mechanism arranged to provide a mechanical advantage or amplified displacement of the cable.
 9. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least one of the actuators is arranged to provide a rotational force or torque, the or each cable being connected to a conversion means for converting the rotational force or torque into a linear force.
 10. Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the conversion means comprises a gear assembly.
 11. Apparatus according preceding claim further comprising a power cable for connecting the control unit to a power source.
 12. Apparatus according to any preceding claim further comprising a power source for powering the control unit.
 13. Apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the power source comprises one or more batteries.
 14. Apparatus according to any preceding claim further comprising a valve configured to be fluidly coupled to an outlet of a cistern.
 15. A cistern comprising an apparatus according to any preceding claim. 